Driving the future of sustainable public transport: a literature review on challenges and strategies in the adoption of autonomous buses

The global adoption of autonomous buses (ABs) offers transformative potential for public transport by enhancing safety, reducing operational costs, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, challenges persist, including societal acceptance, operational and traffic integration, and regulatory frameworks. This study addresses these barriers through a systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework, analyzing 486 articles from Scopus and Web of Science. The review focuses on key themes such as public perception, operational strategies, traffic impacts, safety considerations, and policy development. The results reveal that public acceptance of ABs varies widely across socio-demographic and cultural contexts. Adoption is notably higher among younger, wealthier, and technologically savvy individuals, highlighting the importance of targeted awareness campaigns. Operational strategies such as demand-responsive services, platooning, and skip-stop routes have demonstrated the potential to enhance the efficiency and appeal of ABs, optimizing both service delivery and user satisfaction. Traffic integration remains a critical factor, with ABs shown to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions in mixed-traffic environments. However, obstacles remain in managing ABs within heterogeneous traffic conditions, particularly in regions with diverse vehicle types and road usage patterns. Safety concerns, a central barrier to widespread adoption, require robust communication systems, emergency response protocols, and standardized safety frameworks to ensure passenger and pedestrian trust. Policy recommendations emerging from the review emphasize phased implementation, supportive regulatory frameworks, and pilot programs to build public trust and operational credibility. These findings underscore the transformative potential of ABs while highlighting the necessity of inclusive policies, comprehensive safety measures, and adaptive operational strategies to maximize their impact in diverse urban and rural settings.